Page 64

2014 Kansas City Gameday HQ

FIELDING
The Cardinals will move Carpenter from second to third, insert highly
touted prospect Kolten Wong at second and bring in speedy, sure-handed
Peter Bourjos to play center. Those moves should upgrade a defense that
turned an NL-high 177 double plays last season, and also led the NL with
a .988 fielding percentage, committing a league-low 75 errors. Molina is
second-to-none behind the plate, having won six straight Gold Gloves,
and ace Adam Wainwright took home his second last year. Pete Kozma,
second in fielding percentage among NL shortstops, brings a steady glove
off the bench, as do Shane Robinson and Daniel Descalso. Tony Cruz is a
quality back-up for Molina.
STARTING PITCHING
Cardinals starters won an NL-best 77 games with a 3.42 ERA
(second) in 2013, surrendering the third-fewest runs (404) and earned
runs (374), while allowing only 76 home runs (second). Wainwright led
the way, winning an NL-high 19 games, leading the Majors in innings
(241 2/3) and ranking third with 219 strikeouts. He walked only 35
batters all season. There’s no let up after Wainwright, as next are playoff
hero Michael Wacha and 14-game winner Shelby Miller, both 22, lefty
Jaime Garcia, providing he can overcome shoulder issues, Joe Kelly (10-5
in ‘13), and hard-throwing Carlos Martinez, also 22. Lance Lynn may
be the odd man out despite winning 15 games and throwing 201 2/3
innings in 2013.
RELIEF PITCHING
Trevor Rosenthal has said he prefers to start. Opposing hitters
probably would, too. Rosenthal, who took over as closer in late
September, saved his final three opportunities, without allowing a run or
a hit, and didn’t allow a run in 10 playoff appearances, covering 11 2/3
innings, surrendering only four hits and three walks while striking out
18. Setting up Rosenthal from the right are ground ball specialist Seth
Maness, who induced 16 double plays, and former closer Jason Motte.
From the left side, Kevin Siegrist had a 0.45 ERA, held hitters to a leaguelow
.128 average (lefties hit only .118), and ended the season with 25
scoreless innings, and veteran Randy Choate went 35 1/3 innings without
allowing a homer.
MANAGING
Mike Matheny has done just fine in replacing Hall of Famer Tony
La Russa. In his two years on the job, he’s become the first Cardinals
manager, and only the eighth in Major League history, to get his team
to the postseason each of his first two seasons. He’s won a total of 185
games, 97 and a division crown last season. The 2014 season should
make it 3-for-3. GM John Mozeliak has been masterful rebuilding the
roster since taking over in October, 2007 — only Molina and Wainwright
remain from the ’07 team. The Cardinals have averaged 89.7 wins and
made the postseason four times in six years, winning two World Series.
Yadier Molina
RONALD MARTINEZ/GETTY IMAGES SPORT